Seaweed Cultivation Market Report 2026

The seaweed cultivation market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $25.23 billion in 2025 to $28.43 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to traditional coastal farming practices, increasing demand for natural hydrocolloids, growth in aquaculture-linked industries, rising awareness of seaweed nutritional value, limited land-based agricultural resources.

The seaweed cultivation market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $44.56 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expanding use of seaweed in sustainable packaging, increasing adoption of seaweed in regenerative agriculture, rising demand for seaweed-derived biostimulants, development of seaweed-based climate solutions, growing interest in marine biomass innovation. Major trends in the forecast period include growing adoption of eco-friendly seaweed farming systems, increasing demand for functional food ingredients from seaweeds, rising interest in seaweed-based biofertilizers and soil enhancers, expansion of seaweed applications in natural cosmetics, growth of seaweed cultivation for biofuel production.

The rise in seaweed farming practices is expected to drive the growth of the seaweed cultivation market in the coming years. Seaweed farming refers to a cost-effective harvesting method that, combined with ease of handling and technological advancements, is encouraging more individuals worldwide to consider it as a viable career option. The increase in seaweed farming practices is largely driven by the substantial economic benefits of seaweed cultivation, which provides a sustainable and low-cost livelihood for coastal communities without the need for land, freshwater, or fertilizers, thereby supporting economic development in vulnerable regions. Seaweed cultivation enhances seaweed farming practices by improving the standard of living for coastal residents and promoting the use of marine and coastal resources in their daily activities. For example, in June 2024, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), an Italy-based agency of the United Nations, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached approximately 193 million tonnes in 2024, supported by growth in both aquaculture and capture fisheries. Aquaculture remains the main contributor to this increase and is projected to account for 56% of total global production by 2034, up from 52% currently. Hence, the increasing adoption of seaweed farming practices is a significant driver for the seaweed cultivation market.

Leading companies in the seaweed cultivation market are leveraging strategic partnerships to create innovative seaweed products. These partnerships enable seaweed cultivation firms to combine resources and expertise, boost research and development capabilities, extend market reach, and expedite commercialization, ultimately fostering innovation and growth within the seaweed cultivation sector. For example, in May 2023, Oceanfarmr, an Australia-based technology company, joined forces with Coast 4C, an Australia-based environmental organization. This collaboration aims to develop mobile technologies that enhance seaweed farming operations, improve crop yields, and promote the financial and environmental sustainability of small-scale seaweed farmers in Southeast Asia.

In March 2023, JRS Group, a Germany-based provider of plant-based functional ingredients and hydrocolloids, acquired Algaia S.A. for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, JRS Group aimed to accelerate its entry into and expansion within the sustainable seaweed-based ingredient segment, strengthening its alginate and hydrocolloid business by leveraging Algaia’s established biorefinery operations and fresh seaweed sourcing capabilities. Algaia S.A. is a France-based producer of sustainably harvested seaweed extracts and hydrocolloids for the food, feed, cosmetics, medical, and agri-industrial sectors.

Major companies operating in the seaweed cultivation market are Acadian Seaplants Limited, Cargill Incorporated, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Irish Seaweeds, Beijing Leili Marine Bioindustry Inc., Roullier Group, Seasol International Pty Ltd, CP Kelco US Inc., Gelymar SA, Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group Co. Ltd., Ocean Harvest Technology Limited, Mara Seaweed, Algaia S. A., Compo Expert GmbH, CEAMSA, Atseanova, Ocean Rainforest, Seaweed Energy Solutions AS, Blue Ocean Mariculture, Ocean Approved LLC, Maine Fresh Sea Farms, Atlantic Sea Farms, Cascadia Seaweed, GreenWave, Oceanium, Sea6 Energy, Sea Forest, The Cornish Seaweed Company, The Scottish Seaweed Company.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on seaweed cultivation equipment, marine farming infrastructure, and imported processing machinery have increased operational costs for producers, particularly in regions dependent on foreign aquaculture technologies such as Southeast Asia and Latin America. Aquaculture-based seaweed farming and seaweed powder processing are most affected due to higher reliance on imported materials. However, tariffs have encouraged domestic manufacturing and local sourcing of farming tools, creating opportunities for regional equipment suppliers and strengthening local supply chains.

The seaweed cultivation market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides seaweed cultivation market statistics, including seaweed cultivation industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a seaweed cultivation market share, detailed seaweed cultivation market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the seaweed cultivation industry. This seaweed cultivation market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Seaweed cultivation involves the cultivation of algae and other marine species. Seaweed farms utilize nutrients and carbon dioxide to foster growth, contributing to improved water quality and helping mitigate the effects of ocean acidification in their vicinity.

The main types of seaweed cultivation are red seaweeds, brown seaweeds, and green seaweeds. Red seaweeds, the oldest and largest group of algae, predominantly thrive in protected shallow waters, often attaching themselves to stones, shells, and eelgrass through their holdfast. Seaweed is available in various forms, including flakes, powder, liquid, and sheets. Harvesting methods encompass aquaculture and wild harvesting. Seaweed finds applications in diverse sectors such as the animal feed industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the seaweed cultivation market in 2025. The regions covered in the seaweed cultivation market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the seaweed cultivation market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The seaweed cultivation market revenues earned by entities by the floating bamboo method, the mangrove stakes and net method and tubular net method. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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